DEMOLISHED. National Capital Region Police Office chief, Guillermo Eleazar, assist in the demolition of the barangay hall of Damayang Lagi in Quezon City on Friday (August 16, 2019). The demolition of the barangay hall, which was found encroaching on a sidewalk, is in compliance with President Rodrigo Duterte's order to clear public roads of obstructions. (Photo courtesy: NCRPO PIO)
MANILA – Various national government agencies and the local government of Quezon City on Friday led the demolition of a barangay hall in the city which has been encroaching on a part of a sidewalk.
Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Danilo Lim, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte and Quezon City Police District (QCPD) Director, Brig. Gen. Joel Esquivel led the clearing operations.
National Capital Region Police Office chief, Maj. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, also assisted in the road clearing operations, demolishing the barangay hall of Damayang Lagi.
Año and Belmonte turned over to the officials of Damayang Lagi a temporary barangay hall for the continuous delivery of public service in the community.
Año said he is pleased that the mayors of Metro Manila are all on board and are putting on the work to comply with the President's directive.
He hopes that all local chief executives to follow suit and be inspired by the revolution Metro Manila mayors are implementing within their jurisdiction.
"We do not want this to end in Metro Manila alone. We have said this before, the President's order encompasses the whole country. Sana ay ma-inspire sila sa mga pagbabagong nangyayari dito sa (I hope they will be inspired with the changes happening here in) Metro Manila," he said.
The countdown started last July 29 upon the issuance of the DILG Memorandum Circular 2019-121 that directs all LCEs "to exercise their powers essential to reclaim public roads which are being used for private ends".
"We will continue this until we achieve success not only in Metro Manila but in the whole country. I am happy that we are just yet to reach the half of our 60-day countdown but so far, our Metro Manila mayors have accomplished much," he added.
Año said there is no political consideration in the road clearing operation, it will be strictly implemented in all local government units and will apply to all whether government or private entities.
"We are fortunate to have a President with a strong political will to implement much needed reforms in our country. Kaya dapat natin itong samantalahin (We should take advantage of this),” he said. (PNA)
